Columbus Blue Jackets Top Florida Panthers In Back-and-Forth Thriller

The Columbus Blue Jackets got off to a quick start, going up 2-0 in the first period thanks to Zach Werenski and Artemi Panarin, and they'll be leaving Sunrise with another win.

Here's the surprising part: it came in comeback fashion.

Florida took the lead after three straight goals, and from there it was a back-and-forth battle. The Blue Jackets actually entered the third period down by a goal, but late in the period – and after tying it up – Cam Atkinson lifted the puck past a sprawled-out James Reimer to give Columbus a 5-4 lead that they would not relinquish.

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John Tortorella's shakeup of the power play lines seemed to pay immediate dividends, too, with two power play goals – including one from Anthony Duclair. The Blue Jackets seemed much more eager to chase pucks and keep their legs moving while on the man advantage.

That said, they did have plenty of issues all night long, getting their wires crossed defensively, sloppily turning the puck over and getting out-skated by the Panthers all night. All four Florida goals were scored directly off of Blue Jackets turnovers – either at the blue line or in their own end – giving one of the league's most high-powered lineups too many good chances to take control of the game.

Despite all of that, it was still a good game for Joonas Korpisalo, who saved 36 of 40 shots on the night and made a few highlight-reel saves.